General Atomics

UDSS appoints Marcus Roberts as Special Projects Coordinator

Universal Defence and Security Solutions (UDSS) has announced the appointment of Marcus Roberts as Special Projects Coordinator.



Image courtesy UDSS

Marcus Roberts (above) brings a wealth of leadership, strategic thinking and operational expertise to this pivotal role, which will support UDSS’ mission to strengthen the UK’s defence sector and global security efforts.

Marcus has built a distinguished career at the intersection of defence, industry and government, marked by his work as a trusted strategic thinker and leader. His experience in the British Army, where he managed complex transformation and cultural change initiatives and his more recent roles in business development and operational leadership, position him to drive UDSS’ critical projects forward.

In his new role as Special Projects Coordinator, Marcus will spearhead efforts to engage with defence industry stakeholders, financial institutions, and international partners. His mission is to help articulate the opportunities and challenges presented by the UK’s Strategic Defence Review and to project UDSS’ expertise into the global defence and security landscape. This role is about both coordinating key engagements and also  establishing lasting, impactful partnerships.

Peter Hewitt, Co-Chairman of UDSS, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Marcus to the team. His proven ability to build strategic partnerships and navigate complex operational environments will be instrumental as we help our clients and partners adapt to the rapidly changing defence and security landscape.”

Marcus said: “I’m excited to join UDSS at such a critical time. The global order is changing, and there’s a pressing need for fresh thinking and innovative partnerships. I’m committed to helping UDSS deliver pragmatic solutions that strengthen security and support prosperity, both in the UK and internationally.”

UDSS’ continued growth – supported by its members’ significant contributions to the UK’s independently led Strategic Defence Review 2025 – headed by Co-Chair General Sir Richard Barrons, combined with a membership of over 750 of the UK’s most experienced defence and security professionals, has placed it in the vanguard of modernisation and digital transformation.

Related

UK Finance Minister signals support for London Heathrow Airport’s £33 billion runway expansion
London Heathrow
UK Finance Minister signals support for London Heathrow Airport’s £33 billion runway expansion
In contrast to the cautious response of the UK Prime Minister, Chancellor John Healey has backed Heathrow's expansion plans.
Aerospace

17 Oct 2026

Marshall Aerospace outlines its next chapter following AURELIUS acquisition
Marshall Aerospace
Marshall Aerospace outlines its next chapter following AURELIUS acquisition
Speaking exclusively to Advance, Marshall Aerospace discusses its military aircraft contracts, manufacturing priorities and search for a new home following the takeover.
Aerospace Insights

17 Oct 2026

17,000 aircraft on order: How does the industry actually clear the backlog?
Boeing 737 factory in Renton
17,000 aircraft on order: How does the industry actually clear the backlog?
Aircraft manufacturers are under pressure to deliver faster, but supply-chain constraints continue to hold production back. What will it take to turn growing orderbooks into aircraft ready to fly?
Aerospace

17 Oct 2026

UK defence is moving faster. Can its legal frameworks keep pace?
UK defence is moving faster. Can its legal frameworks keep pace?
As UK defence procurement accelerates, legal experts at Crowell & Moring explore how businesses can seize opportunities while managing legal risk.
Defence Insights

17 Oct 2026

From trials to frontline capability: Accelerating AI adoption in UK defence
Jack Maxton headshot
From trials to frontline capability: Accelerating AI adoption in UK defence
Jack Maxton, CEO of DIGI2AL, argues that faster experimentation, closer industry collaboration and a shift in mindset can help the MOD turn AI ambitions into operational advantage.
BAE Systems to design satellite comms terminals for US Space Force
Satellite
BAE Systems to design satellite comms terminals for US Space Force
Building on its space-hardened family of software-defined radios, BAE Systems will develop resilient ultra-compact radio-frequency (RF) terminals for the US Space Force.
Defence Member News

16 Oct 2026

Viasat orders ALL.​SPACE Hydra MAX Terminals for Ka-band networks
ALL.SPACE Hydra
Viasat orders ALL.​SPACE Hydra MAX Terminals for Ka-band networks
Viasat has placed an order for multiple ALL.​SPACE Hydra MAX terminals approved to operate on Viasat's global NextGen Ka-band network, providing resilient SATCOM connectivity for defence and government users.
Defence Member News Space

15 Oct 2026

Cornwall Space Cluster launches £15k legal support programme for space SMEs
Goonhilly satellite near Cornwall Space Cluster
Cornwall Space Cluster launches £15k legal support programme for space SMEs
Cornwall Space Cluster has partnered with Stephens Scown to offer specialist legal advice to space businesses, helping them protect intellectual property, prepare for investment and support future growth.
Space

15 Oct 2026

ClearSpace selected to deliver UK’s first active debris removal mission
ClearSpace removing space debris
ClearSpace selected to deliver UK’s first active debris removal mission
The UK-led programme will remove two defunct satellites while creating specialist jobs, supporting supply chains and building capability in the growing in-orbit services sector.
Space

15 Oct 2026

Police officers risk accidental AI misconduct, watchdog warns
National Police Chiefs Council photo of police on duty
Police officers risk accidental AI misconduct, watchdog warns
The Independent Office for Police Conduct has warned that officers and staff risk misconduct investigations for inappropriate AI use.
Security

16 Oct 2026

NAD and CDS want accelerated capability as DSEI UK 27 launched
NAD and CDS launch DSEI UK 27
NAD and CDS want accelerated capability as DSEI UK 27 launched
As the National Armaments Director (NAD) and the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) launched DSEI UK 2027 yesterday, they said faster capability delivery, greater innovation and improved readiness are required to ensure the UK and its allies are suitably prepared for any future conflict.
Warwickshire Police turns to AI to review the quality of investigations
Chat with AI or Artificial Intelligence technology. Man touching chatting virtual with an intelligent artificial intelligence asks for the answers he wants. Smart assistant futuristic, Chatbot,
Warwickshire Police turns to AI to review the quality of investigations
An eight-agent system checks investigation records against policing standards, with officers retaining responsibility for decisions.
Security

14 Oct 2026